The Percussion Studio of John Apodaca

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Denison, TX
The Percussion Studio of John Apodaca

Lessons in drumming, inspiration, and the love of music. In 2020 and with the benefit of remote viewing technology, instruction now reaches internationally!

The Percussion Studio of John Apodaca was established in November of 2010 with the intention of offering in depth percussion education to people of all ages and levels throughout the areas of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Students of John Apodaca receive the benefit of studying with an instructor drawing on nearly three decades of experience working with and leading some of Texas' finest percussion programs.

06/05/2026

Bravo, ladies! I am so proud of these two Van Alstyne Percussionists for pushing to improve! Outstanding! 🤠👏🏼

05/27/2026

Hard work, but very rewarding. Taking the students down to Austin, TX for State Solo & Ensemble Contest involves preparation, long travel time, managing logistics, and lots and lots of physical effort. My students in Van Alstyne Percussion enjoy the camaraderie of this end of the year trip…last time together with the Seniors. They definitely set their sights on coming to play! With 16 overall solo events entered, they garnered 10 medals…7 Golds and 3 Silvers at State. In addition, VApercussionists Luca Raner (11) and Parker Love (10), were selected to be awarded with the prestigious “Outstanding Performer” award. This marks Luca’s second such State medal (back to back), and Parker’s first! It also marks Van Alstyne Percussion’s 9th and 10th “Outstanding Performer” awards in the last 14 years. The students in that span have been simply outstanding. Of the yearly 20k plus statewide participants, 2-3% are selected to receive this accolade. 2025-26 was a year of incredible performances playing super top level repertoire in all settings. An absolute blast! Congratulations to all of my VApercussionists on another great year of drumming together! VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠🙏🏽

05/21/2026

A whirlwind of drumming best describes our last weeks of school at Van Alstyne Percussion and our esteemed guest Dr. James Vilseck was at the center of it! Dr. Vilseck serves as the new leader of Percussion Studies at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, and his mark on our region has already been made! He’s building something special up North and we loved his incredible and eclectic Recital Program! Thank you, Dr. V! VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠👏🏼

05/20/2026

The 2026 Van Alstyne Rubber Chicken Paradiddle Smackdown Challenge crowned a new Champion this past week! Topping out at a whopping Quarter equals 236 on Paradiddle #1 from “The Dynamic Art of Snare Drum” this excellent First Year student emerged victorious! Congratulations, Eva! Superb work by her classmates in making it an intense competition for the coveted Rubber Chicken! VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠

05/19/2026

Bracelet Day for my First Years in Van Alstyne! Upon completion of all of their prerequisites heading to 7th Grade Band, they take their solemn VApercussion Oath and receive their VApercussion Bracelets! It’s a fun and meaningful capping off to a year of self discovery for each of them. They’re established with the foundations and now ready for the drumming journey ahead together! Bravo, students! Have a great Summer! VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠

05/09/2026

Serving as a percussion judge is an essential part of developing the growth of young musicians. Get it wrong with poor understanding of the responsibility and the moment…and that growth can be stunted. Get it right and a period of rapid development can catch fire! Today I had the privilege of hearing some great kids in Gainesville ISD and it’s evident that so much is being invested by those instructors. Bravo to the Gainesville Fine Arts staff and their talented students! 🤠

05/08/2026

Last night’s concert for the Van Alstyne 6th Grade Band was the final musical event of the year for our district. Watching my First Year Class percussionists put together all they have learned to achieve the sincere performance of music is a true privilege. It has been each of the years I’ve been guiding people down this drumming path. The planted seeds have now sprouted and leaves are forming in many new positive directions. It never becomes old as a life’s purpose. Another meaningful year is drawing to a close. Thank you and bravo to my littlest drummers. VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠

05/06/2026

These percussionists were simply on fire today in performance at the wonderful Eisemann Center for The Performing Arts! My 7th and 8th Grade students put on a truly artistic display at their final stage performance of the year. Goals achieved. Cool to witness. VApercussion…Drum Strong…Drum Real. 🤠

Address

Denison, TX
75020

Website

http://www.johnapodacastudio.com/

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